The 2026 MotoGP track action is progressing on Friday with the second day of the three-day Sepang shakedown test. On the opening day, Honda’s test rider Aleix Espargaro recorded the fastest lap time, edging out KTM test riders Pol Espargaro and Dani Pedrosa, while Yamaha newcomer Toprak Razgatlioglu also posted impressive times.
Today, I’m set to catch up with other Yamaha racers including Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, and Jack Miller to get a better sense of Razgatlioglu’s early pace and assess the new V4 engine’s performance. Should Quartararo take to the track, it would mark his debut, especially after rumors surfaced about his contract with Honda for 2027. Meanwhile, LCR rookie Diogo Moreira aims to narrow the 2.8-second gap to Honda teammate Aleix Espargaro on this second day.
Ducati and Aprilia continue their preparations for next week’s official tests with their respective riders Michele Pirro and Lorenzo Savadori conducting development work. Testing runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with only partial live timing available during the shakedown.
By lunchtime, Pol Espargaro remained fastest with a lap of just under 1 minute 58 seconds, followed closely by Aleix Espargaro, Dani Pedrosa, and Toprak Razgatlioglu. Jack Miller is showing solid form, running laps in the 1 minute 58 second bracket, just behind teammate Razgatlioglu.
Meanwhile, in Indonesia, Valentino Rossi finally made his long-anticipated debut at the Mandalika circuit, delighting fans with his presence.
As of early afternoon, Pol Espargaro maintains the top spot with a 1:57.933 lap time. Aleix Espargaro, Dani Pedrosa, and Razgatlioglu round out the leading group. Aprilia’s Lorenzo Savadori has pulled ahead of Yamaha riders Jack Miller and Fabio Quartararo, while rookie Diogo Moreira entered the sub-1:59 lap time zone.
There are also intriguing images circulating of KTM’s Mika Kallio testing the new “850cc spec” motorcycle during the Sepang shakedown.
Pol Espargaro edged out his younger brother Aleix to be the first to crack the 1:57 mark, while World Superbike champion Toprak Razgatlioglu improved to within one second of the lead by breaking 1:58 minutes. Monster Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins are preparing to make their MotoGP 2026 season debuts alongside Jack Miller.
Below are the midday lap times from the Sepang shakedown on day two:
- Pol Espargaro (KTM test rider) – 1:57.933
- Aleix Espargaro (Honda test rider) – +0.133
- Dani Pedrosa (KTM test rider) – +0.758
- Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pramac Yamaha) – +0.872
- Michele Pirro (Ducati test rider) – +1.222
- Yamaha test rider (Fernandes/Dovizioso) – +1.418
- Jack Miller (Pramac Yamaha) – +1.728
- Fabio Quartararo (Monster Yamaha) – +1.973
- Alex Rins (Monster Yamaha) – +2.260
- Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) – +2.969
- Lorenzo Savadori (Aprilia test rider) – +3.245
- Mika Kallio (KTM test rider) – +6.443
Official Sepang records remain held by Francesco Bagnaia with the best lap at 1:56.337 in 2024, and the fastest race lap by Alex Marquez at 1:58.873 in 2023.
On day two’s early sessions, Aleix Espargaro improved his personal best and was half a second quicker than Pol Espargaro. Toprak Razgatlioglu significantly cut his time, already half a second faster than on day one, while Jack Miller set his first laps of the year.
The standings from 11 a.m. were:
- Aleix Espargaro – 1:58.066
- Pol Espargaro – +0.512
- Toprak Razgatlioglu – +1.079
- Yamaha test rider (Fernandes/Dovizioso) – +1.285
- Dani Pedrosa – +1.342
- Jack Miller – +1.595
- Michele Pirro – +4.934
- Mika Kallio – +6.576
- Lorenzo Savadori – +9.972
Reflecting on day one lap times, Aleix Espargaro led with 1:58.091, followed by Pol Espargaro (1:58.615), Dani Pedrosa (1:59.143), and Toprak Razgatlioglu (1:59.647).
Additional context on lap records at Sepang shows Ducati and Yamaha dominating both fastest laps in the race and qualifying sessions during the 2024–2025 seasons, highlighting the ongoing battle between manufacturers.
Fan Take:
This shakedown test offers a captivating preview of the rivalries and technological advancements that will shape the 2026 MotoGP season. For racing enthusiasts, it’s thrilling to witness emerging talents and evolving machines setting the stage for intense competition ahead.
